When I entered the kitchen, my breath caught in my throat.Sweet Jesus.Mack stood at the stove, focused on whatever he was cooking, his broad back facing me.He was larger than life at 6’3”, built like a tank, with muscles that rippled beneath his skin-tight t-shirt.The sight of him made my heart race, and I had to remind myself to breathe.
“Good morning, sleepyhead,” he said, glancing over his shoulder and flashing me a grin that should be illegal.
“Good morning!It smells amazing in here,” I replied, unable to hide the enthusiasm in my voice.“What have you done to my kitchen?”
“Just making a little breakfast to fuel us for the day,” he said, turning back to the stove.“I figured since we have a long drive ahead, I should make sure you’re well-fed.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle.“Is this your secret plan to make me dependent on you?Feed me and then whisk me away to Arrhythmia?”
He laughed, stirring the bacon in the pan.“Maybe.But it’s also just because I like to cook.I hope you don’t mind the smell wafting through the apartment—it’s a bit of a disaster zone in here right now,” he said, gesturing to the mess on the counter.
“Honestly, I’m just grateful you’re here,” I said, leaning against the doorframe and watching him.“I could barely make toast without burning it, so this is a nice change.”
“Toast is a critical skill, Audrey.I’ll have to teach you some basics,” he teased, his playful tone making me smile wider.
“Maybe you could give me a cooking lesson while you’re at it,” I suggested, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks.“You know, for my future as a gourmet chef.”
“I’ll do that.But to be fair, we might end up ordering takeout more often than cooking,” he replied, turning to face me fully.His eyes sparkled with mischief, and I found myself liking it a little too much.
“Meow.”Muffin rubbed against Mack’s leg.
“Looks like you have a new friend,” I said with a laugh.
“What can I say?Ladies like me,” Mack joked.
“I see that.”
“Alright, breakfast is served,” he said, breaking the spell.He plated the food and set it at the table, and I followed behind him, taking a seat.
“This looks incredible!”I exclaimed, digging in.As we ate, our conversation flowed easily.We shared stories of our lives before this moment, and I found myself laughing at his anecdotes about Arrhythmia.I briefly considered bringing up my internet searches about Arrhythmia but decided against it.I didn’t want to break the magic of the moment.
After finishing breakfast, I glanced around my apartment, taking in the clutter of boxes and bags.It was time to say goodbye to this place that had felt like a cage for so long.
Mack watched me, noticing the bittersweet look on my face.“You okay?”he asked softly.
“Yeah,” I said, forcing a smile.“Just… ready for a change.”
He nodded, understanding in his gaze.“Let’s get you out of here, then.New beginnings await.”
We spent the next hour loading up the vehicle with my belongings.As we worked, I tried to keep the mood light, joking about how I had enough clothes to open my own boutique.Mack chuckled, lifting a box with ease that I could barely manage.
“Seriously, how do you fit all this into one apartment?”he teased, raising an eyebrow at me.
“I have no idea!It just multiplied while I was here,” I replied, sticking out my tongue playfully.
As we loaded the last of my things, I turned to him, feeling extremely thankful for his help.“Thank you for making this so easy.I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
He shrugged, a warm smile on his face.“Just doing my part to make sure you get a fresh start.Besides, I’m looking forward to the adventure as much as you are.”
With everything loaded into the vehicle, I placed Muffin in her carrier and took one last look around my apartment.There was a sense of liberation that overcame me.I was actually doing this.“Goodbye, old life,” I whispered, more to myself than anyone else.
Mack chuckled beside me.“Ready to hit the road?”
“Absolutely,” I said, my heart racing at the thought of the journey ahead.
As we climbed into the truck, I settled into the passenger seat and watched Mack as he started the engine.The rumble of the truck filled the air, and I felt a thrill of excitement, nearly to the point of giddiness.I had never been to Texas or anywhere, really.
Hours passed as we traveled further, and the landscape began to change.It was hard to take my eyes off the scenery.The traffic patterns ebbed and flowed as we passed by a few big cities.I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
